Bypass now open

A stream of southbound vehicles Wednesday morning was the first group of vehicles to travel the now-open U.S. 131 Constantine Bypass.

A ceremony to commemorate the completion of the $18 million task was staged two weeks ago, so the opening was done Wednesday without fanfare. Traffic to the northbound lane was permitted about half an hour later, around 11 a.m., said Nick Schirripa, MDOT spokesman.

Work on the five-mile bypass started in February and finished about a month ahead of schedule. It stretches from Zerbe Road at its north end to Dickinson Road at its south end.

Schirripa said a number of minor issues remain to be addressed, and crews will complete what work they can now before finishing up landscaping duties in the spring.